What does Hand Hewn mean?

Hand Hewn (or hewing) is the centuries-old process of converting a round log (its natural form) into square lumber (or timber) with flat surfaces using an axe or adz. Refined through the years, this process is still used to square up beams in a timber frame home today.

This same technique is reflected in our EverLog concrete hand-hewn logs and siding.

What is the History of Hand Hewn Wood?

The process of hewing timbers for timber and post/beam construction originated in Europe, dating back to the 1100s.  As Europeans migrated across the world, this process was refined and sophisticated through the centuries.

In America, during the 18th and 19th centuries, settlers cleared land and used hand-hewn timbers to build homes, businesses, and towns. The largest and straightest trees were used to create the structural timbers that would ultimately provide dry workplaces and shelters for their families.

What Tools Are Involved?

Traditionally, various styles of axes are the most common hewing tools.  The two most common axes are a broadaxe and an adz.

The broadaxe is used for scoring and for hewing larger pieces of lumber.

An adz (or ‘adze’, sometimes referred to as ‘hand adzed’) is utilized for smaller detail work and for smoothing out the work of the more unwieldy broadaxe.

What Does a Hand Hewn Log Look Like?

There is a variety of Hand Hewn looks.  At EverLog Systems, our concrete hand-hewn logs typically look like this:

Why are Hand Hewn logs so popular?

Hand-hewn logs are a classic rustic look.  They complement various home styles, including Mountain Rustic, Timber Frame, Western Log and Timber, Ranch, Chalet, Adirondack, and others.

These can be combined with various corner styles, including saddle notch, dovetail, or posted.

The flexibility and overall look and feel make the hand-hewn log very popular with many of our clients.